University of Portsmouth China Entry: Foundation, Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD Requirements: Official Threshold Breakdown
The University of Portsmouth says entry requirements for applicants from China depend on the course they want to study. Its China entry page lists recommended minimum qualifications for foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD study, and the university says it considers all applications it receives.
Foundation courses
The university says entry requirements vary depending on which course you're applying for. If you have a Diploma from a Specialised College (zhong zhuan), the High School Diploma and the High School Graduation Equivalency, you'll usually need to do a foundation year before doing an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree. The university recommends taking a foundation course at its associated college, International College Portsmouth (ICP).
Undergraduate courses
If you've completed the Chinese Senior High School Diploma plus one year at a recognised university in China, the university will consider you for admission onto an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree. You must have studied relevant subjects and achieved strong grades.
If you don't have a Chinese Senior High School Diploma, you can apply with:
- A levels
- International Baccalaureate
A levels
Please check your specific course page to find the exact number of points needed. Your A level grades should equal or exceed the total points required. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your total points. Some courses will require you to have studied specific subjects at A level. For example, to study a science course you will usually need to have achieved passing grades in scientific subjects at A level.
A level points:
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
International Baccalaureate
Most courses will require between 24 and 31 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB), depending on the degree you apply for.
Advanced entry
You may also be considered for advanced entry onto a relevant undergraduate degree programme if you have a College Graduation Diploma (Dazhuan) from a recognised university or college on completion of two to three years of study, or a BTEC HND or SQA HND Higher National Diploma in a relevant subject.
The university says you may be able to join an undergraduate course with other qualifications. It states that it does consider qualifications from a range of sources, and it asks applicants to contact it to find out more.
Postgraduate courses
For entry to its postgraduate Master's programmes, the university says you'll usually need to have one of the following from a recognised Higher Education institution:
- a Bachelor's degree (normally from a four year undergraduate programme)
- a Bachelor's degree from Higher Education Self-Study Examinations (full time)
- a top-up degree or university-recognised Pre-Master's Foundation programme
Typical minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements:
- From 2.8 on a scale of 1–4
- From 7 on a scale of 1–10
If you don't meet the postgraduate entry requirements, the university says you can do a pre-Master's programme at International College Portsmouth (ICP) for many of its courses.
PhDs
The university says it will consider you for a PhD if you have a good Master's degree and submit a research proposal.
English language requirements
The university says it's important that you can speak and understand English to the level that your course requires. The specific English language requirements will be on your chosen course page. It states that it accepts IELTS, IGCSE and several other certificates.
If you're currently short of the standard required, the university states: "we offer English Language Programmes that will get you to the necessary level."